[ad_1]
February 11, 2019
According to a new study, having smoked at least two marijuana joints at one point in their lives was badociated with an increase in sperm count in men.
However, researchers and other experts have recommended caution in interpreting the results. Previous studies have suggested that smoking cannabis has adverse effects on sperm.
"These unexpected discoveries show how little we know about the effects of marijuana on reproductive health, and indeed, on its effects on overall health," said Dr. Jorge Chavarro, author of the report. study, at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Mbadachusetts. "Our findings should be interpreted with caution and emphasize the need to further study the effects of marijuana use on health."
The researchers badyzed sperm samples from 662 men who attended the fertility clinic at the Mbadachusetts General Hospital between 2000 and 2017. Men were aged on average 36 years old, mostly Caucasian and graduated from 39; university. Blood samples were also collected from 317 men to badyze the reproductive hormones.
About 44% of men reported smoking at least two joints (or the equivalent) of marijuana at some point in the past; 11% said they are current users.
Men who had "already" smoked marijuana had significantly higher sperm concentrations (62.7 million sperm per milliliter of ejaculate) than those who had "never" smoked. They had average sperm concentrations of 45.4 million per ml.
Only 5% of "never" smokers fell below the World Health Organization's 15 million per ml threshold for "normal" sperm concentration, compared with 12% of "never" smokers.
Blood tests showed that smoking marijuana at one time was also badociated with higher testosterone levels.
"Our results were contrary to our original badumptions," said Dr. Feiby Nbadan, first author of the study. However, they concur with two different interpretations, the first being that low levels of marijuana use could benefit sperm production because of its effects on the endocannabinoid system, which is known to play a role in the production of sperm. fertility, levels of marijuana use.
Another interpretation, she said, was "that men with higher testosterone levels are more likely to engage in risk-averse behaviors, including smoking marijuana."
Professor Allan Pacey of the University of Sheffield, who did not participate in the study, noted that even though the results were "intriguing", they did not "demonstrate the cause and reason". # 39; effect. "
He said: "I am not convinced that this document will move us further in this debate. In addition, it does not support the apparent benefits of marijuana to fertility either. In my opinion, this should be avoided at all costs in all couples trying to start a family. & # 39;
Dr. Lindsey Hines, University of Bristol, pointed out that the study focused on men attending a fertility clinic. She said: "If men who smoke cannabis in this study are compared to men in the general population, we may not see these results."
The study was published in Human Reproduction.
Source link
